Benefits of LEDLighting . . .

What is LED Lighting? (Light Emitting Diodes): An LED is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are the latest and most exciting technological advancement in the lighting industry. LEDs are small, solid light bulbs which are extremely energy efficient and long lasting. LEDs present many advantages over incandescent light sources, including enormously lower energy consumtion (90% more efficient), exceptionally longer life span (60,000 hours), improved robustness, smaller sizes, faster switching, and greater durability and reliability. LEDs are currently used in a number of industrial, commercial and infrastructure applications.

Efficiency: LEDs are extremely energy efficient and consume up to 90% less power than incandescent bulbs. LEDs have a lifespan 10 times greater than fluorescents and use 70% less power.

Longevity: LEDs have a lifespan of up to 60,000 hours compared to 1500 hours for incandescent bulbs. Traditional lighting technologies must be replaced 5 times or more to match the lifetime of LED lights. LEDs do not fail catastrophically but rather dim over time. LED lifetimes are stated in L_70 ratings. This means after a given lifetime period, the LED will have faded to 70% of its original lumens output. That's a total average of only 30%.

LED Lifespan:

50,000 hours powered 4/hours/day = 34 year lifespan

50,000 hours powered 8/hours/day = 17 year lifespan

50,000 hours powered 24/hours/day = 8 year lifespan

Safety: LED lights generate virtually no heat, are cool to the touch and can be left on for hours without incident or consequence if touched. LEDs produce 3.4 btu per hour, compared to 85 btu for incandescent bulbs. LEDs stay slightly above ambient temperature, approximately 20 degrees. Incandescent lighting is 240 degrees above ambient temperature and "energy saving" fluorescents are 180.

Environment: Environmental benefits of LED lighting include reduced carbon emissions and no mercury. LED products provide a direct reduction in carbon emission by reducing a facility's energy load which uses electricity generated by power plants. LEDs are also recyclable and considered "green" or earth friendly."

Cool Lighting Solution: LEDs are cool - literally. The LEDs ability to not cause heat buildup works to the benefit of AC units, which translates to added energy savings and cost effectiveness. LED performance actually increases as operating temperatures drop.

Directional Light Emissions: Because LEDs are mounted on a flat surface, they emit light hemispherically, rather than spherically, reducing wasted light and enabling light to be "aimed."

Near-Monochromatic Light: An individual LED chip emits light in a specific wave length (color), which makes them efficient for colored light applications.

Rapid Cycling Capability: Traditional light sources will burn out sooner if switching on and off frequently. LED life and lumen maintenance is unaffected by rapid cycling.

Controllability: Some LEDs are compatible with electronic controls to change light levels and color characteristics.

Infrared (IR) or Ultraviolet (UV) Emissions: Unlike other forms of lighting, LEDs do not emit IR or UV radiation.

Low Energy Consumption: LED lighting has significantly reduced energy consumption without sacrificing functional efficiency and visual performance. An incandescent bulb is only able to transform 20% of the electricity required into light energy, with the other 80% given off as heat. For LED lights it is the opposite, 80% of the electrical energy is emitted as light energy and only 20% is released as heat. LEDs are also utilized for lighting control technology which contributes significantly to energy savings.

LED Money Savings: LED lighting systems provide a quick return on investment for facility managers and owners who have a cost of maintenance that needs to be controlled and/or reduced.

Tax and Rebates Incentives: Both State and Federal agencies, along with local utility companies, offer a wide range of tax incentive programs and rebates.

Conclusion: LEDs are poised to replace traditional incandescent light bulbs, fluorescents, and all other light sources. LEDs are rapidly becoming the preferred lighting solution of both professional and residential users. LED technology is continually advancing, proving the product's future is bright. The US Department of Energy hopes to reduce electricity used for lighting 50% by converting to LED based light sources. It's time to lead your company toward the LED light.